Does your skin seem to be more irritated after putting on makeup? If so, you may have a condition known as “cosmetic acne.” Cosmetic acne is a mild form of acne caused by ingredients found in certain cosmetics. Although this condition can occur in any area of ​​the body, it is most commonly found on the hairline, neck, face, and scalp. Over time, cosmetics can accumulate in the small follicles of the face and cause clogged pores. Excess oil accumulates within these pores and becomes a blemish.

Chemical bases, strong moisturizers, and thick eye creams can cause breakouts on the face. Body hair gels, ointments, lotions, and creams can cause breakouts on the rest of the body and scalp. What exactly is it about these products that can be so irritating to the skin? Let’s take a look at some of the most common makeup ingredients that give you a rash.

Lanolin

Lanolin is an oily substance that is extracted from lamb’s wool. It works wonderfully to hydrate the skin, but it can clog pores quickly. Many foundations contain ‘acetylated lanolin’, which is a synthetic derivative of lanolin so that your clients’ faces will feel smooth after application. Although it softens the skin, it also builds up inside the pores and later causes acne-like breakouts.

Sulfates

Sulfates are used in facial cleansers to create lather. These are the same sulfates that make laundry detergent and dish soap lather. Although sulfate-containing cleansers can make your skin feel very clean, over time they can leave a film on the skin, clog pores, and lead to breakouts.

Fragrances

Many cosmetics (including foundation) may contain artificial fragrances to help disguise their chemical-like odor. Although these added fragrances won’t clog your pores, they can cause allergic reactions, causing inflammation and a rash-like outbreak. If you experience breakouts that do not contain pustules and instead make your skin feel rough or develop a rash, you may not be suffering from clogged pores, but an allergic reaction.

Bismuth Oxychloride

Bismuth oxychloride is a standard ingredient used in many of the major mineral makeup lines. Bismuth oxychloride is a synthetic pearl made by combining bismuth, a by-product of lead and copper, with chloride and water. It is used in cosmetics because it has a distinctive pearlescent appearance and a fine texture that adheres well to the skin; however, it is very harsh on the skin and can cause breakouts and breakouts.

Alcohol

There are several types of alcohol that are used in cosmetics and all of them can irritate the skin. Cetyl alcohol can cause a type of sludge to deposit in the pores, causing pustules to form on the skin. Ethyl alcohol is used in products aimed at people with oily skin to dry it out; however, it can be excessively dry and cause skin irritation and rashes.

Although all of these ingredients are commonly found in cosmetics, there is a way to prevent them from damaging your skin: just switch to all-natural mineral cosmetics. Cosmetics that contain all-natural ingredients use skin-loving components that allow your skin to breathe and stay breakout-free. If you currently suffer from cosmetic acne, be sure to only use cosmetics and skin care products made with natural ingredients, and your skin will be healthy in no time.